The Third Sunday in Lent – March 3, 2024 – Purpose in Grace Alone
Lord of Life LIVE - The Third Sunday in Lent
Upcoming Events
Sunday Worship - The Fourth Sunday in Lent
”Believe In Grace Alone”
Sunday, March 10, 2024, 9:30am
Join us in person or on YouTube for Lord of Life LIVE!
Faith Quest meets during worship!
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Litany of Renewal in Grace Alone in Jesus Christ
based on Psalm 19
Today as we share our Lenten journey, we pray to be alive and anew thanks to God’s faithful truth in grace alone, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Lord, we desire you and your ways more than gold, more than honey in the morning. You come to us, and while we might be judged, our reward is even greater, in your mercy. Take hold of us, in your grace alone. Clear us of our faults and sins.
People of God: The law of the Lord is perfect. He revives and saves the soul. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we fail to trust the truth we know in God’s grace alone.
(silence for reflection)
Friends, the commandments of the Lord are clear, yet, he abundantly blesses us. Today, return to the Lord with all your heart. Be alive and anew in God’s grace alone in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Take hold of this truth: This foundation will never be destroyed; live anew in the One who purifies your heart!
Song of Grace Anew
Purify My Heart
Nelson
Purify my heart
Touch me with Your cleansing fire
Take me to the cross
Your holiness is my desire
Breathe Your life in me
Kindle a love
That flows from Your throne
Oh purify my heart
Purify my heart
By your grace and The Holy Spirit, I will return to you with all my heart. Enlighten my eyes, fill my heart with rejoicing. You are my rock and my Redeemer. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O God.
People of faith: The heavens are telling of the glory of God. Everything proclaims his truth and handiwork through all the earth. Take hold of God’s abundant grace. Stand firm! Be anew in the One who forever purifies your hearts!
Song of Grace Anew
Purify My Heart
Nelson
Purify my heart
Touch me with Your cleansing fire
Take me to the cross
Your holiness is my desire
Breathe Your life in me
Kindle a love
That flows from Your throne
Oh purify my heart
Purify my heart
Almighty and loving God, by your abundant grace, you sent Jesus to break into our world through his life, death and resurrection. Today we give you thanks and praise, your truth and grace will never crumble, your foundation will never be destroyed, your Kingdom has been established forever. By your Holy Spirit, purify our hearts, increase our faith this Lenten season, to believe we are alive and anew, and to build on your truth and grace alone. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Children are invited to attend Faith Quest!
New Testament Lesson
Exodus 20:1-17
Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work – you, your son or daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it. Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Old Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Faith Anew
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
Mote
vs. 1
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
No merit of my own I claim
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
refrain:
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
vs. 4
When he shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in him be found
Clothed in his righteousness alone
Redeemed to stand before the throne
(refrain)
Gospel
John 2:13-22
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it had been written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Based On Psalm 116:1-11
I love the Lord because he has heard my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
Therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me;
The pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I beseech thee, save my life!”
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple;
When I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest;
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling
I walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I kept my faith,
Even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”;
Even when I said in fear, “No one can be trusted.” Amen.
Truth in Grace Alone!
EXODUS 20:1-17; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-25; JOHN 2:13-22
Have you ever tried to build a house of cards? It’s fun for a while. It looks kind of neat. It soon crumbles. You might get it to last for a little while, but it is a lot of work, and there is little confidence it will last long. What are you building on in your life? Does it look good? Will it stand firm? Is it worth the effort? Are you confident it will last? Or will it crumble? Our spiritual life, our life as a whole, needs a firm foundation in the truth. In our own day to day walk, we need to know what we are building on will not crumble. Jesus in the Gospel today tells those questioning his authority, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” As we continue our Lenten journey, let us build on what will stand up, what will not crumble, what has been established for all eternity; let us build on the truth of God’s grace in Christ alone!
1. What foundation, what truth, do you need to stand firm in your life?
John 2:19
A. Is your foundation, is your truth, one you trust or are you afraid it will crumble? What is the foundation you hope, you need, to stand firm?
John 2:13-16
B. Is the foundation of your life, the same as the foundation and truth you trust in your spiritual life? Can we afford for them to be different?
Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:23
C. In Christ alone, let us build on this truth and foundation, let us trust Christ alone who stands firm, when all else crumbles. Even when our faithfulness crumbles, the foundation God establishes in Jesus will stand forever!
John 2:22
2. What foundation and truth are you building on in your life? In your faith? Let us be reassured as we build on Christ alone!
John 2:19
A. Are you able to build on your foundation of faith in Christ alone? To make it stronger, bigger, greater?
1 Corinthians 1:25
B. Do you trust the truth of God’s grace in Christ alone for you, the truth God is building you up, building on you?
1 Corinthians 1:18
C. Trust this truth in Christ alone: All that God builds will never crumble.
John 2:22
3. Even now, especially now, stand firm and build on Truth in Christ alone, as the foundation God established long ago. God in Christ alone is faithful. Grace in the truth of Christ alone will never be destroyed. In Christ alone, you will stand firm and never crumble. Build on Christ alone, stand firm!
Exodus 20:1; 1 Corinthians 1:23; John 2:19
Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.
Song Anew In Hope & Grace
There is None Like You
LeBlanc
refrain:
There is none like You
No one else
Can touch my heart like You do
I could search for all eternity long
And find
There is none like You
(repeat)
vs. 1
Your mercy flows
Like a river wide
And healing comes
From Your hands
Suffering children
Are safe in Your arms
There is none like You
(refrain)
... as we pray to you, Jesus,
Lord listen to your children praying
Lord send your Spirit in this place
Lord listen to your children praying
Send us love send us power send us grace
All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Holy Communion will take place during our service. If you are not worshipping with us in person but would like to receive Communion, we will be offering Drive Through Communion at our building at 16200 Dodd Lane, Lakeville, Minnesota, following our indoor service. Drive Through Communion will be available between 10:15am & 10:30am.
For those worshiping with us in person, we receive communion through intinction; that is, you will receive the bread, the host, then dip into the glass of choice, either a red wine in the chalice closest to the host, or in a light colored non-alcoholic grape juice. All are welcome.
We also offer gluten free and pre-packaged options. Please take these options before arriving at the host to receive a blessing.
The Words of Institution
In the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks; broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. Amen.
Songs During Holy Communion
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Newton & Tomlin
vs. 1
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
vs. 2
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
refrain:
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God my Savior
Has ransomed me
And like a flood
His mercy rains
Unending love
Amazing grace
vs. 3
The Lord has promised good to me
His Word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
(refrain twice)
vs. 4
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace this day, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our hearts, and our lives to his, in the grace of Jesus Christ alone, the Lord of life. Amen.
Friends, return to The Lord your God with all your heart; be alive and anew in God’s grace alone! The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor, and give you his peace. In the name of The Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Going Anew in Grace Alone
Forever
Tomlin
Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good
He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise
Sing praise
With a mighty hand
And outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life
That’s been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
refrain:
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
From the rising
To the setting sun
His love endures forever
And by the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
(refrain)
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Today, Sunday, March 3, we share The Third Sunday In Lent, “Truth In Grace Alone!” Faith Quest Sunday School does meet today!
Join us next, Sunday, March 10, 9:30 a.m., as we share The Fourth Sunday In Lent, “Believe In Grace Alone!” Faith Quest Sunday School does meet next Sunday!
Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion.
For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets as you exit the building.
Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets by the ushers as you exit the sanctuary.
We hope our worship will touch you, comfort you, reassure you, and grace you in some way! If you believe others you know would be blessed to receive this bulletin, the sermon notes, or our live stream links, please forward these to them.
From everyone on every level of leadership and service, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org
We pray The Holy Spirit breathes anew on us to be God’s people and to be God’s Church, as together we make known and we trust anew God’s gifts of hope, peace, justice, clarity, calm, and comfort forever break forth in new ways for you and your loved ones, today, and as we share every gift of God’s light, love and grace!
Acknowledgments for today’s service include:
Litany Of Renewal In Grace Alone In Jesus Christ, written based on Psalm 19. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” and “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less,” “Lord, Listen To Your Children Praying,” based on the LBW. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Purify My Heart” © 1993 Maranatha Praise, Inc. CCLI #1314323 “There Is None Like You” © 1991 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, CCLI #674545 “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” © 2006 sixsteps Music CCLI # 4768151 “Forever” © 2001 worshiptogether.com Songs CCLI #3148428 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.